The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen from 2012 to 2016. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Up! aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation, particularly in densely populated urban environments. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! was a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 107. This article focuses on the 1.0 BMT (60 Hp) variant, a popular engine choice within the Up! range.
Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (60 Hp): An Overview
The Up! represented Volkswagen’s attempt to create a truly minimalist and cost-effective vehicle. Its design prioritized fuel efficiency and ease of maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating narrow city streets and tight parking spaces. The 1.0 BMT (60 Hp) engine, a three-cylinder petrol unit, was central to this strategy, offering a balance between performance and economy. The Up! was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, catering to different customer needs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (60 Hp) is a 999 cc (60.96 cubic inches) inline three-cylinder petrol engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 60 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine is surprisingly responsive for its size, and its power-to-weight ratio of 15.7 kg/Hp allows for adequate performance in urban settings. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 13.7 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 100.04 mph (161 km/h). The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, contributing to its fuel efficiency. The engine code for this variant is CHYA.
Fuel economy is a key strength of the Up! 1.0 BMT. It achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg or 68.9 UK mpg), with urban figures of 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) and extra-urban figures of 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg). CO2 emissions are rated at 95 g/km, placing it within a favorable emissions bracket for many European countries.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback, measuring 3540 mm (139.37 inches) in length, 1645 mm (64.76 inches) in width, and 1489 mm (58.62 inches) in height. Its design is characterized by clean lines and a relatively tall, narrow profile. The interior is designed to maximize space within its small footprint. The Up! offers seating for four passengers and a trunk capacity ranging from 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 951 liters (33.58 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features, while basic by modern standards, were a priority. The Up! 1.0 BMT included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. Other features included electric power steering, providing light and precise handling. The interior was functional and well-built, reflecting Volkswagen’s reputation for quality. The Up! was designed with a focus on practicality and affordability, offering a no-frills transportation solution.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 BMT (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 95 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 161 km/h (100.04 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3000-4300 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHYA |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 940 kg (2072.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1290 kg (2843.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 350 kg (771.62 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 951 l (33.58 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 3540 mm (139.37 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1489 mm (58.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (60 Hp) offered a compelling package for buyers seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical city car. While it never reached the North American market, it proved to be a popular choice in Europe, demonstrating Volkswagen’s ability to deliver a well-engineered and economical vehicle.
